Pregnancy Sucks For Men

October 4, 2004
This follow-up to Kimes's first book, Pregnancy Sucks, written with Kimes's husband and targeted to men who may bear witness to a sucky pregnancy, features a large, hairy, presumably male tummy on the cover. Those who don't find the image amusing probably won't enjoy the humor in this survival manual. The Kimeses make a valid point--although it isn't socially acceptable to complain about the vagaries of gestation, it can be a difficult process fraught with pain of the physical and emotional kind--but their approach to dealing with these challenges may be a bit off-putting: "your wife should be treated like any other savage creature ready to attack." Snarky comments aside, the book does provide useful information. In addition to explaining how a woman's body changes--and the baby grows--with each month, the book includes worksheets ("How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Baby?"), suggestions ("Must-Have Things for the Delivery Room"), a list of pregnancy-related terms and a resources section.

October 15, 2004
Kimes follows up her Pregnancy Sucks with this collaboration with husband Jeff, written in the voice of one who does not "have a uterus." Although this reviewer regrets that the verb to suck has found its way into English, it is refreshing to read about pregnancy straight up. Kimes tackled mood swings, gas, aches and pains, and morning sickness in the first book, whereas here she and Jeff offer advice to male bystanders for helping their partners through the stages of pregnancy. A brief glossary brings soon-to-be-dads up to speed for doctor appointments, and tidbits throughout each chapter prepare men for what to expect each month and how they can help ease the physical and emotional strains of pregnancy for their wives and their relationship. Despite some grating talk of boobs, this guide offers a humorous account of waiting for baby, with a healthy dose of reality and celebration. For larger child-rearing collections.-Heather O'Brien, Ph.D. candidate, SLIS, Dalhousie Univ., Halifax, N.S.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.